Hydroxyurea is used to treat skin cancer (melanoma), a cancer of the white blood cells called chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML), and metastatic cancer (cancer that has spread) of the ovaries. This medicine may also be given together with radiation treatment for head and neck cancer (primary squamous cell cancer).Hydroxyurea is also used in adult patients with sickle cell anemia to prevent painful episodes and reduce the need for blood transfusions. It works by making the red blood cells more flexible.

INSTRUCTIONS

Before you begin treatment with hydroxyurea, you and your doctor should talk about the good this medicine will do as well as the risks of using it.

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

This medicine comes with a patient information insert. Read and follow the instructions in the insert carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Hydroxyurea should be handled with care and people who are not taking this medicine should be careful to avoid touching it. To decrease the chance of touching the medicine:Wear disposable gloves when handling hydroxyurea or bottles containing hydroxyurea.Wash your hands before and after contact with the bottle or capsules.If powder from the capsule is spilled, you should wipe it up immediately with a damp disposable towel and discard it in a closed container, such as a plastic bag.You should keep medicine away from children and pets.You should contact your doctor for instructions on how to dispose of capsules that are past the expiration date.

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

DOSAGE

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.For oral dosage form (capsules): For cancer of the head and neck, ovaries, or skin:

Adults—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is 80 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight, taken as a single dose every third day.

Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

For chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML):

Adults—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is 30 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day, taken as a single dose.

Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

For sickle cell anemia:

Adults—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is 15 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day, taken as a single dose. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 35 mg per kg of body weight per day.

Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

STORAGE

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.